Tiwa Savage made a dramatic entrance at New York Fashion Week this September, arriving for Ralph Lauren’s Ralph’s Club event (Usher’s Gatsby-inspired soirée) in a head-turning bespoke outfit. The Afrobeat superstar wore a custom EleventSixteen look; a sharply tailored two-piece suit with a coordinating trench-style coat, styled by creative director Ugo Mozie and his team (with Mani Mahn and “Sprung on Chanel” assisting). Savage’s presence at the show showcased her fusion of music-charged confidence and high fashion. The ensemble’s rich textures and sculptural silhouette immediately reflected EleventSixteen’s luxury aesthetic: think a smooth, wool-blend suit and sweeping coat in neutral tones, cut with strong shoulders and a cinched waist to balance power and elegance. The result was at once modern and timeless; a statement trench-suit hybrid with hints of opulence that read like a runway moment in the city’s streets.
Savage’s outfit gains extra significance from the story behind the label. EleventSixteen is the luxury brand launched by Nigerian-American stylist-turned-designer Ugo Mozie in 2024. Mozie has said he built the label on “heritage and the vast cultural experiences” of his global travels; a mission visible in each piece’s craftsmanship. For example, Mozie’s Met Gala debut for Diana Ross in May 2025 featured an 18-foot train embellished with cowries and Swarovski crystals, blending Nigerian and royal motifs. That Ross gown (with her children’s names embroidered on the cape) and custom creations for Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy showcase EleventSixteen’s penchant for history-meets-glamour. Today’s Savage look likely drew on that same Afrofuturistic ethos: a modern take on the classic trench suit infused with subtle African-inspired details. In this context, Savage she was embodying a Lagos-born brand that champions African artisanal pride on a global stage.
Behind the Look: Mozie and His Fashion Squad
Of course, such a polished ensemble requires a skilled team. Savage’s styling was led by Ugo Mozie himself (the founder of EleventSixteen), working with longtime collaborators Mani Mahn (@manimahn) and the stylist behind “Sprung on Chanel” (@sprungonchanel). Mozie is no stranger to red-carpet legend: as a celebrity stylist he’s dressed stars from Beyoncé to Diana Ross. In fact, Mozie’s new role as a designer is already proven; he custom-made Blue Ivy Carter’s stage outfits for the Cowboy Carter tour and even a green velvet suit for Lena Waithe at a movie premiere. Those high-profile clients lend serious fashion credibility to Savage’s look. By wearing his creation, Savage effectively became a muse for EleventSixteen, the first woman to do so at a major U.S. fashion event, demonstrating confidence in both the style and the brand. The cohesive work of Mozie’s team, from the precise tailoring to the final jewelry, elevated the ensemble into a true editorial moment.
Savage’s ensemble ticked all those boxes: a billowing coat, sharp suit lines, and rich textures made it as editorial as anything front-row. But beyond trends, this moment is culturally significant. As the Queen of Afrobeats, Savage is one of Nigeria’s biggest pop exports, and her NYFW appearance underscores how African style is now integral to global fashion. By choosing EleventSixteen, she spotlights an African designer on a New York stage, reinforcing her as one of the world’s top fashion influencers. In short, Savage’s custom look wasn’t just about one gorgeous outfit but about bridging continents in style and asserting that African creativity belongs at the fashion world’s highest tables.